The morning after pill, also called emergency contraception or EC, is a method used to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Unlike mechanisms for continuous use, such as the IUD and the contraceptive pill, EC must be taken in emergency situations, under medical guidance.
The use of contraceptives can be a solution in these cases, but doubts about the subject, as well as about other methods, are common among women.
Lack of information can harm women’s sexual health, so it is important to understand how the pill works, what its effects are and when it is indicated to take it.
How does the morning after pill?
The mechanism of action of the morning after pill works in different ways, varying according to the phase of the menstrual cycle in which the woman is at the time of ingestion of the medicine.
Generally speaking, the pill works to fill the gap in the waiting time of sperm in the vaginal tract before ovulation. This period usually ranges from one to five days.
If, at this moment, the woman is in the first days of the menstrual cycle, before the period of ovulation, the action of the pill is precisely to prevent or delay this ovulation for a few days.
If the woman takes emergency contraception after the ovulation period, the action of the medication is to prevent the fertilization of the egg.
For this, EA alters the cervical mucus in order to make it difficult for sperm to pass from the female genital tract to the fallopian tubes.
In this way, the drug prevents the sperm from meeting the egg, which makes implantation impossible – a stage that happens after fertilization and results in the pregnancy itself.
How to take the morning after pill?
The indication is to take the pill right after sexual intercourse without using a condom or other contraceptive method. No prescription is needed to buy the drug, but it is essential to seek medical advice before going to the pharmacy.
The medicine is sold in two ways: in a single dose or in two pills. The indication, in the case of two pills, is to wait 12 hours after ingestion of the first to take the second.
This use must be accompanied and guided by a gynecologist, who will assess the case individually and make the correct indication of use for each person.
When to take the morning after pill?
The pill is an emergency contraceptive method, therefore it is a measure aimed at exceptional cases and should only be used as a last option.
Second guidelines from the Ministry of Healththe main indications for use are:
- cases of sexual abuse;
- sexual intercourse without using other contraceptive methods;
- forgetting the contraceptive pill for at least two days;
- failure in the method normally used, such as breaking the condom at the time of ejaculation or dislodging the IUD.
In any of these situations, it is important to consult a gynecologist to make the correct use of the medication.
When not to take it?
According to the Ministry of Health, the main contraindication of the pill is related to cases of pregnancy already confirmed.
People who normally have contraindications to the use of hormonal contraceptives, such as those with a history of thromboembolism, severe migraines or diabetes with vascular complications, should consult a gynecologist.
However, the Ministry, in accordance with WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines, points out that even these groups can use the drug.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that emergency contraception does not replace the contraceptive pill, does not act in the prevention of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and should not be taken on a regular basis.
possible side effects
Emergency contraception is a medicine with hormonal doses and, therefore, it can have some side effects according to the reaction of each organism after ingestion.
The main effects of the morning after pill are:
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- nausea;
- tiredness;
- headache.
The pill can also cause changes in the menstrual cycle, leading to small bleeding, early or late periods.
These reactions are usually mild, but it’s important to pay attention to them. If symptoms persist, the indication is to seek a doctor.
What “cuts” the effect?
The main factor detrimental to the effect of the pill is the occurrence of vomiting for an approximate period of two hours after ingestion. In these cases, it is recommended to take the medicine again.
Also, emergency contraception tends to be most effective in the 24 hours following intercourse. Effects may lessen as time passes.
frequently asked questions
Sexuality can be a taboo for many people, as pointed out by a survey carried out by MindMiners and shared in a report by CNN, so doubts about the subject are common.
In this context, questions are included about the use of contraceptive methods to prevent sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies, emergency contraception being one of these mechanisms.
However, lack of knowledge can lead to wrong decisions about the use of medications, which should only be taken under medical guidance.
When it comes to the morning after pill, the main questions are:
What happens after I take the morning after pill?
The action of the emergency pill is to prevent ovulation or fertilization, which happens when the sperm meets the egg.
As spermatozoa remain in the vaginal tract for a period before moving to the egg, the drug is able to act in advance of this meeting, which results in conception (pregnancy).
How long does it take to take the morning after pill?
The average period for using the emergency contraceptive method is 72 hours, but the ideal is to take the pill as soon as possible, right after unprotected sexual intercourse.
After 24 hours, the effectiveness of the medication is 88%, and this number decreases over time.
What are the chances of getting pregnant after taking the morning after pill?
The pill has a low failure rate, but no existing contraceptive method is 100% effective. In the case of emergency contraception, effectiveness is greatest in the first 24 hours after intercourse and tends to decrease thereafter.
Can the pill cause changes in the menstrual cycle?
Yes, the emergency contraception pill can change the menstrual cycle. It is possible for the medicine to speed up or delay menstruation, usually within a period of one week.
These cycle changes are among the side effects of the medication. However, they are not a rule and vary according to each organism.
Is it possible to take the morning after pill more than once a month?
Because it is an emergency method, the pill should not be used several times in the same month or on a regular basis. It does not replace other contraceptive mechanisms and does not prevent sexually transmitted infections.
There are other options for contraceptive mechanisms to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, such as the male or female condom, the IUD and the contraceptive pill, for example.
The right thing is to seek a gynecologist to evaluate the most efficient method according to each person’s organism and needs.
How do you know if the morning after pill worked?
It is necessary to wait for the next menstrual cycle to prove the effectiveness of the pill or to take a pregnancy test about a week after using the medicine.
It is worth mentioning that emergency contraception can cause changes in the menstrual cycle and, therefore, delays may occur.
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Source: CNN Brasil
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